“Shoot-first” Laws: Get the Facts

In 26 states, deadly force is permitted without retreat if a person feels threatened.

Check out NYAGV’s new fact sheet on “Shoot-first” laws, also known as “stand-your-ground” laws–and get the facts about these dangerous laws that are helping to promote vigilante justice.“Shoot-first” laws enable a person who believes his or her safety is threatened to use deadly force for self-defense in public places, rather than to retreat from a confrontation.

Since 2005, 26 states, including Florida, have adopted such laws–and studies show that “justifiable” homicides have increased in states enacting “shoot-first” laws. (In Florida, justifiable killings have tripled under its “shoot-first” law.) These laws are even more deadly when combined with “concealed carry” laws.

Who can you thank for pushing “shoot-first” laws? The NRA-funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).